The Marquess Who Adored Me

by Rachelle Stevensen

  Eden had tears still falling down her cheeks. “I love you Cole.”

  Cole grinned, “I love you Eden. More than my own life. I am sorry it took me so long to finally say it, and finally speak to you.”

  Eden giggled, “I forgive you. You thought you were doing what was best for me, but don’t do it again. I can handle myself.”

  Burk and Brooks both started laughing. “That is true. Run now Cole, if that bothers you. She will take hold of what she wants with both hands and make it happen. Whatever ‘it’ is. She will do it.”

  Cole laughed as well and stood. Eden was still cradled in his arms. She stuck her tongue out at her brothers and Cole laughed again.

  He put her back in her chair and stepped away from her. “So, that answers a few questions. But, not all. There is still a lot that weighs heavily on me, and I am just hoping that soon, we can figure everything out. It is hard on me, Lily and my family. Aidan wishes he could help, but even though he is a Duke, people are horrible to him. They treat him as someone less than them even though he holds such a lofty title. That’s why I help him here. He has heard too many horrible and awful things, and he prefers his solitude. But I will need help.”

  Burk stood from his chair. “Of course, we will both help. In any way we can. Name it.”

  Cole looked to both men, and Brooks nodded. “Of course.”

  Burk spoke again, “I have a contact inside Newgate prison. Would you like me to speak with him to find out about your father?”

  Cole nodded, “Thank you. His name is Jacob St. Andrew. I just need to know if he is even alive.”

  Burk nodded, “I will contact him as soon as I can. We also need to speak with a judge. If your father is still in Newgate, he will need to be released. Is the man who was your father dead? Or is he still alive? I am thinking that since your brother holds the title, the man is dead.”

  Cole nodded, “Yes, he died a little over 6 years ago.”

  Burk looked him in the eyes, “Good. I am certain there is more to your story, but from everything I have heard, I am glad he is dead. My biggest worry is this though, did he ever do anything to Lily?”

  Cole nodded, and Burk swore. “What did he do?”

  Cole sighed, “The most he ever did was hit her a few times, I remember the night he died, she had a split lip, but the worst thing he did was actually father her and her twin sister Rose. He was truly insane, using his brother’s wife for his gains, and Lily hates that knowledge more than anything.”

  Burk growled and clenched his fist. “How did he die?”

  Cole looked down, “If I tell you this story, everything I tell you and all the things that have come before stay in this room. Or I cannot say.”

  Eden nodded, Burk nodded as well, and Brooks stood from his chair, and shut the door and slid the lock into place. He clapped Cole on the shoulder. “I think you will find that we aren’t the sort of men to tell others' secrets.”

  Cole nodded, and Brooks took his seat again. “I remember the day my father died as if it was yesterday. It all happened quickly, but that night haunted me then, and haunts me still. My brother and mother almost lost their lives that night, and I was almost too late to save them.”

  He pinched the bridge of his nose, and clenched his eyes shut. “I had been sleeping, and my room was further away than the others, because I chose to have it be so. I couldn’t do anything to help my mother whenever my father hurt her, and it was often. So, I moved as far away from it as I could.” He sighed, shaking his head as if to clear it, and continued.

  “I was awoken in the night by Lily. She was crying, sobbing hard in my ear. I was groggy, disoriented and not certain what she was doing on about. I didn’t understand what she was saying at first. I had to get her to calm down, and by the time I finally did, my blood ran cold. She kept saying that my father had finally snapped and was going to kill our mother. And that Aidan was going to try to stop him.”

  Cole opened his eyes but looked straight ahead. “I dressed as quickly as I could and grabbed my sword. I knew about my father’s prowess with a blade, and I knew that Aidan had that knowledge as well. It terrified me, and I ran as fast as I could to the room, but I was too late. Aidan was on the ground, there was blood all over the room and coming from Aidan still. Jacob, or Edward as we found out later, was dead and my mother had been beaten so severely, she could barely breathe, or see. Her eyes were practically swollen shut, but she was trying to get Aidan’s bleeding under control. His face had been sliced open, and his leg had so much blood pouring from it, that I don’t know how he survived.”

  He could hear Eden gasping, but he couldn’t look at her. He was reliving his shame and hated it.

  “I helped my mother sew up Aidan. He would always bear the scar on his face, it added to the ones he already had. And he barely survived. He got an infection in his leg, and because he had been beaten so badly six months before, he almost didn’t make it. He didn’t have the strength he once had. It took a long time to nurse him back to health, but we did it.”

  He let out a breath, “Edward was buried that same night, and the villagers and the people of the ton, were told that he had died from a fast-moving illness that ravaged his body. But the truth was, during the fight, he had relieved Aidan of his sword, and my mother picked it up and stabbed him in the back. She could barely hold it, could barely function at all, but she did it. She was so relieved in that moment, that it was all over. Finally. His reign of terror was finally over. She still has struggles with that decision, but she knew that he wouldn’t stop. That he would have killed Aidan, and her and he would have continued to hurt me, or the girls. And, my mother knew that that night was the night she almost died. If Aidan hadn’t come in when he had, she would have died.”

  He closed his eyes again, and once again wished he had been there sooner, had done something more to help, anything that could have stopped the pain for Aidan, and his mother.

  He felt the burn behind his eyes, and he took a deep breath. “If I had been there, and had helped Aidan, he wouldn’t have been so viciously scarred. He wouldn’t have to be so afraid of what people say. Wouldn’t have to hear their gossip and hate. It is my darkest shame, that instead of rushing to my brother’s aide, I wanted to comfort Lily. He needed me, and I let him and my mother down. They have to deal with their memories of that night, but I have to live with my shame and guilt of not being there sooner.”

  He heard the rustle of skirts before he felt arms wrap around him. He finally opened his eyes but kept his head down. He would lose her, and he had only himself to blame.

  “Cole, it wasn’t your fault. You aren’t to blame for your brother, or your mother. The pathetic excuse for a man you had to call father is. You can’t think that Aidan and your mother wish any different. You could have been hurt as well and then what? You are wonderful and kind, doing everything you could have, and I am certain Lily is grateful to you, she would have been so frightened, and you helped ease some of her fears. You did everything you could do Cole. Don’t let that rule you.”

  Cole finally looked at her, and she had tears dripping down her face. “I love you even more for what you told me. Told us. It wasn’t easy to hear, so I can only imagine what it was like to live through.”

  Cole closed his eyes again, “It wasn’t. I have nightmares of it still, and it haunts my waking thoughts too. I can still see the blood, all over the room. They had cut each other so many times, that it was everywhere. And, Aidan’s leg just left so much behind. And his face as well. Just seeing how the sword blow had barely missed his eye, and how badly his face was ruined? It hurt me to no end. Here was my twin brother, my other half, and he had almost sacrificed it all to end the tyranny that was our father. To save us all. I can never thank him enough, and I don’t think I ever have. I don’t even know how.”

  Eden hugged him tighter, and she sighed. “I haven’t met your brother, but from what I heard he sounds like a wonderful man. I don’t think he would want you to punis
h yourself this way.”

  Cole just shook his head, when Brooks spoke up, “I agree with Eden, Cole.”

  Burk nodded when Cole looked up. “Thank you. It has been my worry, and someday, I will tell Aidan this. I wish you could meet him. All of you. I don’t think you would judge him for his scars.”

  Burk barked out a laugh. “Never would we do that. I want to meet this brother of yours.”

  Brooks laughed too, “I do as well. And your sister, if the other is like the one helping the children and not being afraid of this bloke.”

  He pointed at Burk, who smiled. He knew people often balked at his size, but Lily hadn’t even been affected by him. Cole laughed as well, “Well, now you all know my dirty secrets. And the ones I thought would never see the light of day.”

  Eden smiled up at him, “I am glad you told us Cole. That kind of guilt eats away at your soul. And it’s too precious to me to be damaged.”

  Burk snorted and Eden stuck her tongue out at him again. “When you finally find the one, you will be just as bad as me.”

  Burk went completely sober, and then looked sheepish. “Well, it just so happens that day is today, so I should probably be careful with what I say.”

  Eden’s jaw went slack. “Lily? Are you serious?”

  Burk blushed slightly and looked down. Brooks chuckled behind his hand and Burk cursed at him.

  He looked at Cole who was trying to hide a smile. “I am sorry, Cole truly. But the minute I saw her face, I knew. She is the one, and I will do everything in my power to make her mine. I know that your family will probably not approve, because of my lower birth and my lack of a name or title, but I will prove to all of you that I am worthy. I swear, she will never lack for anything.”

  Cole looked at Burk for a moment, and the big man started squirming. Until Cole threw his head back and laughed, and laughed some more, until he doubled over and had tears running down his face.

  Burk’s eyebrows were raised, and his jaw dropped open. Brooks had a smirk on his face and was trying desperately not to laugh, and Eden started giggling.

  “May I ask what is so funny?” Burk growled when Cole had sobered up a bit.

  “Burk, I neglected to mention my new sister by law. I told you how they recently married, but the new Duchess of Ablewood, doesn’t have a drop of blue blood in her body. Her father was a merchant, and while she grew up around polite society, she was never a part of them. Her parents died after they got in a carriage accident, which killed her mother, and ruined Rhia’s leg.”

  Everyone’s eyes widened at this revelation and Cole continued, “Her father died slowly, his mind leaving him with each year that passed and when he died, she lost everything, her home, her riches, the last of her family. The accident also took her ability to walk without a very noticeable limp. But, despite all these things, Aidan knew from the moment he found her out in a storm, that she was the one for him. His heart and soul. My mother approved from the beginning, and they got married after knowing each other for a very, very short time. Aidan was thrilled that she wasn’t a part of the ton, and so was our family. They would never judge you for something like that. Our only thing would be for you to love her and protect her. That’s it.”

  Burk gaped at him, as did Eden, and Brooks. Eden spoke, “She walks with a limp? How dreadful. She must have damaged her leg horribly.”

  Cole kissed her quickly, “Yes, she hurt it in such a horrible way, that she almost lost her leg. She convinced the man who saved her to save her leg, which he did. She had to re-learn how to walk again. There have been several times where her leg will be doing fine, and then it simply gives way beneath her. We love her for it. For all the struggles she went through. It made her who she was.”

  Eden smiled at him, “I wish even more to meet your brother, and his wife.”

  Cole grinned, “Aidan wishes to meet you as well. I told them all about you. And my mother was cross that I had never spoken to you. She reminded me that I wasn’t my father. So, here I am.”

  He kissed her again, and she melted into him. Burk cleared his throat, “So your family will be all right with me courting Lily? Because, I warn you now that I found her, I will never give her up.”

  Cole smiled at him, “They will love you. I will tell you though, Lily is very stubborn, and already has it set in her mind that she will never marry, and she has a very detailed list of her perfect man. Which she will not bend on. Ever. I wish you luck Burk.”

  Burk grinned and stood. “Well, if this discussion is over, I am going to find my woman.”

  Cole laughed, as did Brooks. “Good luck.”

  Burk smirked at him, “I don’t need luck. Haven’t you heard? The Devil makes his own luck.”

  Cole laughed, “I have indeed heard that.”

  Burk held out his hand, and Cole took it. “Thank you for telling us your story. You are a good man, Cole. And, I believe you are worthy of this woman. I would have never wanted to think it, but now I do.”

  Cole laughed as Eden groaned into his chest. “Thank you, Burk.”

  Cole heard Eden’s stomach growl, and he turned to Brooks. “Is there a kitchen around here? I am certain that if she is hungry, the children will be as well. Might I help with the preparation?”

  Brooks smiled, “Of course, I doubt Mary will let you help, but you can try.” Cole laughed and did just that.

  Chapter Eight

  Katarina

  London, England Oct, 1812

  Katarina stormed around her tiny flat and hated her life. Everything had gotten ruined, all because of Aidan’s stupid bitch.

  She couldn’t believe that Aidan had picked that crippled girl over herself, but he had. And she hated them both.

  Then, Braddock had disappeared. He was supposed to come and rescue her after he had gotten rid of all of them and he hadn’t. She just knew they had something to do with his disappearance. And her hatred grew.

  After Aidan had kicked them out of their house, her mother had decided to leave for the America’s. She was too humiliated to stay in London. Koryn hadn’t left yet but was taking a ship very shortly. But Katarina refused to leave.

  Oh, no. She wanted revenge on the entire family, and she would get it. Come hell or high water.

  She kept a close eye on Cole, sneaking into balls and having a man follow every step Cole took, and saw him finally single a woman out.

  The woman was a no one, an ugly whore who came from a destitute family. Katarina had seen her around and thought she had said enough rude and damaging things to her to make her leave and not come back to any society function.

  Most girls wouldn't show their face around the ton after she had her way with them. But not this girl. Oh no. She just kept coming back for more.

  Katarina hated that. She had ruined lesser women with her mean words, but this girl never gave in. Just stayed and stayed.

  Well, she would hate that she stayed now.

  When the time was right, Katarina would hurt the family in any way she could. She would take Cole’s woman, and his sister and they would never be seen or heard from again.

  She already had a plan in place for Lily, but now that Cole had finally found his girl? Katarina laughed out loud. It would be sweet justice.

  The man she had hired to keep an eye out for her knocked on the door. She rushed to open it, and he looked down at her with hungry eyes.

  She smiled at him and knew exactly what his payment was. She didn’t mind giving it to him. Since Braddock disappeared, she was needy, and Julian satisfied her every want.

  He smiled at her and kicked the door shut. Katarina was only dressed in a robe, because she knew he was coming by.

  She stripped it off and watched him swallow. She knew her body was beautiful. She was vain enough to love men’s stares as they walked by.

  But, for now, she would let Julian have his way with her. He stripped out of his clothes quickly and had her on the small bed, in moments.

  He didn’t wait to see if she was we
t and ready, just slammed his hard cock into her tight sheath. She saw stars. It felt so good to be dominated by him as he fucked her hard.

  She cried out and scratched at his back as he took her, and when she exploded on him, he shuddered and came deep inside her.

  He collapsed on top of her, and she let out a sigh. “I followed them all day today. They went to an old house in Whitechapel. They have been there all day, and just now have left to get ready for the ball.”

  He pulled out of her and she groaned. “Good, let me know more tomorrow. But, for now, come back here and finish what we started. You and I aren’t done.”

  He grinned down at her and fucked her hard again. Her only thoughts were for the man behind her, and her revenge. She would do whatever was necessary to get it.

  Chapter Nine

  Eden

  London, England Oct, 1812

  After a perfect day with the love of her life, her brothers, and Lily, Eden couldn’t wait to get to the ball tonight.

  She would finally get the chance to dance with Cole. It was all she wanted, longed for all these years.

  When she got home though, Sterling was there. Standing in the entryway, looking as though he had waited all day to find her. He looked awful, his hair was mussed, and his clothes rumpled beyond repair and she could smell the liquor coming off him in waves.

  He rushed to where she was and slammed her against the wall. “Where have you been?”

  Eden almost gagged at the foul smell of his breath, and she didn’t answer him. Didn’t want to speak to him. He slapped her across the face. “I asked you a question.”